Magazine carrier and dispenser

ABSTRACT

Implementations of a magazine carrier and dispenser are provided. The magazine carrier and dispenser is configured to contain one or more firearm magazines that can be withdrawn one at a time and used to load or reload a firearm (e.g., a pistol and/or a rifle). In some implementations, the magazine carrier and dispenser is configured to be worn on a belt, accessible on the off-hand side of a user. The magazine carrier and dispenser comprises a housing having a longitudinally extending magazine extraction port in a front sidewall thereof, and a biasing apparatus that is contained within the housing. The biasing apparatus is configured to urge one or more magazines contained within the housing towards the magazine extraction port. In this way, a firearm magazine is moved into a dispensing position and can be withdrawn through the magazine extraction port.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/728,282, which was filed on Sep. 7, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a magazine carrier and dispenser.

BACKGROUND

Competitive shooters, police, and warfighters often carry spare ammunition in magazines. Each magazine is loaded with a number of cartridges and is ready for use when the weapon (e.g., a rifle, a handgun, etc.) must be loaded or reloaded. These loaded magazines are often carried in pouches that are worn by the user. In order to facilitate the most efficient (i.e., fast) reload, it is well known to secure any magazine pouches on the belt so that they are accessible to the non-dominant hand (or weak hand) of the user. This allows a user to maintain positive control of the firearm with their dominant hand (or strong hand) while retrieving a magazine and effecting a reload with the non-dominant hand.

Typical prior art magazine pouches are often positioned one after the other around the user's belt line. Thus, during each reload, the user must search for and retrieve a loaded magazine from a different location. Further, many magazine pouches include flaps, or other retention devices, that must be moved in order for the magazine to be withdrawn.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for the magazine carrier and dispenser disclosed herein. It is to the provision of a magazine carrier and dispenser configured to address these needs, and others, that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Implementations of a magazine carrier and dispenser are provided. The magazine carrier and dispenser is configured to contain one or more firearm magazines that can be withdrawn one at a time and used to load or reload a firearm (e.g., a pistol and/or a rifle). In some implementations, the magazine carrier and dispenser is configured to be worn on a belt, accessible on the off-hand side of a user.

The magazine carrier and dispenser comprises a housing having a longitudinally extending magazine extraction port in a front sidewall thereof, and a biasing apparatus that is contained within the housing. The biasing apparatus is configured to urge one or more magazines contained within the housing towards the magazine extraction port. In this way, a firearm magazine is moved into a dispensing position and can be withdrawn through the magazine extraction port.

In some implementations, the magazine extraction port includes two guide lips that define a restocking slit. The restocking slit extends between opposing interior edges of the guide lips and is configured (i.e., dimensioned) to facilitate the extraction of a magazine from, and the insertion of a magazine into, the magazine carrier and dispenser using the magazine extraction port.

In some implementations, the biasing apparatus comprises a follower and two coil springs. The first coil spring and the second coil spring are positioned to bias a first end and a second end, respectively, of the follower towards the opening defined by the magazine extraction port. In this way, force generated by the coil springs is divided between each end of the follower, thereby reducing the chance of a firearm magazine becoming struck within the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an example magazine carrier and dispenser according to the principles of the present disclosure. A magazine is positioned for extraction through the magazine extraction port.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the magazine carrier and dispenser shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear, bottom isometric view of the magazine carrier and dispenser shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate exploded views of the magazine carrier and dispenser shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front, bottom perspective view of the housing of the magazine carrier and dispenser shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom isometric view of the housing shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates the magazine carrier and dispenser shown in FIG. 1 secured to a belt, the user P is extracting a magazine and using it to reload a pistol G.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an example implementation of a magazine carrier and dispenser 100 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The magazine carrier and dispenser 100 is configured to contain one or more firearm magazines 104 that can be withdrawn one at a time and used to load or reload a firearm (e.g., a pistol and/or a rifle). In some implementations, the magazine carrier and dispenser 100 is configured to be worn on a belt, accessible on the off-hand side of a user (see, e.g., FIG. 8).

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, in some implementations, the magazine carrier and dispenser 100 may comprise a housing 110 having a longitudinally extending magazine extraction port 112 in a front sidewall 122 thereof, and a biasing apparatus 130 that is contained within the housing 110. The biasing apparatus 130 is configured to urge one or more magazines 104 contained within the housing 110 towards the magazine extraction port 112. In this way, a firearm magazine 104 is moved into a dispensing position and can be withdrawn through the magazine extraction port 112 (see, e.g., FIG. 8).

A shown in FIG. 6, in some implementations, the housing 110 of the magazine carrier and dispenser 100 may have a rectangular shape and include an interior cavity 116 accessible through the magazine extraction port 112. In some implementations, the housing 110 may be shaped to match the profile, or outline, of the firearm magazine(s) 104 to be stored therein (not shown). In some implementations, firearm magazines 104 may be stored in a side by side orientation within the interior cavity 116 of the housing 110 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-3). In this way, each firearm magazine may be optimally positioned for extraction through the magazine extraction port 112 when the user is loading or reloading their firearm (see, e.g., FIG. 8).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in some implementations, the magazine extraction port 112 has a height of less than two firearm magazines 104 stacked within the housing 110, but more than a single firearm magazine's 104 height. In this way, the magazine carrier and dispenser 100 may be replenished using the magazine extraction port 112 and only one firearm magazine 104 at a time may be withdrawn through the magazine extraction port 112.

In some implementations, the housing 110 may be configured so that a user can adjust the height of the magazine extraction port 112 (not shown). In this way, a housing 110 having an appropriately dimensioned interior cavity 116 could be used to contain and dispense either single stack, or double stack, firearm magazines 104.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7, in some implementations, the magazine extraction port 112 includes two guide lips 124 that define a restocking slit 114. The restocking slit 114 extends between opposing interior edges of the guide lips 124 and is configured (i.e., dimensioned) to facilitate the extraction of a magazine from, or the insertion of a magazine into, the magazine carrier and dispenser 100 through the magazine extraction port 112. In some implementations, the restocking slit 114 is configured so that one or more of the user's fingers can make contact with the portion of a firearm magazine 104 accessible through the restocking slit 114. In this way, the user can draw a magazine 104 out through the magazine extraction port 112 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). In some implementations, the restocking slit 114 is configured so that a firearm magazine 104 can be used to press the follower 132 of the biasing apparatus 130 (or another magazine 104 already positioned within the housing 110) up into the cavity 116 of the housing 110 sufficiently to facilitate rotating and inserting that firearm magazine 104 into the magazine carrier and dispenser 100 by way of the magazine extraction port 112. In this way, firearm magazines 104 may be loaded into the magazine carrier and dispenser 100.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in some implementations, the rear sidewall 120 of the housing 110 may include a belt clip 118 thereon. In this way, the magazine carrier and dispenser 100 can be worn on a belt. In some implementations, the housing 110 may include more than one belt clip 118 thereon. In some implementations, instead of one or more belt clips 118, the housing 110 may include any fastener, or combination of fasteners, known to one of ordinary skill in the art to be suitable for securing a magazine carrier and dispenser 100 to a belt.

In some implementations, the one or more belt clips 118 of a magazine carrier and dispenser 110 may be configured to provide adjustable cant (not shown). In this way, a user may adjust the cant angle of the housing 110 relative to the belt on which it is worn.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some implementations, the biasing apparatus 130 comprises a follower 132 and two coil springs 134.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in some implementations, the follower 132 comprises an oblong follower body 136 that has a bottom surface 142 and a top surface 144 that may, or may not, be parallel to each other (as illustrated they are parallel). The bottom surface 142 of the follower 132 is configured to interface with a firearm magazine 104 positioned within the housing 110 and, in some implementations, may be shaped to match the contour of the firearm magazine 104. In some implementations, the bottom surface 142 of the follower 132 may be a planar surface. The top surface 144 of the follower 132 is shaped to provide a surface against which each coil spring 134 a, 134 b may compress. In some implementations, the top surface 144 of the follower 132 may be shaped to limit each spring 134 to vertical compression against the top surface 144.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in some implementations, the oblong follower body 136 may also include one fin 138, 140 extending upwardly from each lateral side thereof, the first fin 138 and the second fin 140 are configured (i.e., shaped) to interface with an interior side of the front sidewall 122 and the rear sidewall 120, respectively, of the housing 110. The fins 138, 140 of the follower 132 are positioned and shaped to reduce, or prevent, misfeeding of firearm magazines 104 being urged by the coil springs 134 towards the magazine extraction port 112 of the housing 110. Further, the fins 138, 140 of the follower 132 define a spring receiving space within the housing 110 that is configured to prevent the coil springs 134 from being over compressed. In this way, the coil springs 134 are prevented from binding.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some implementations, the first coil spring 134 a and the second coil spring 134 b are positioned to bias a first end and a second end, respectively, of the follower 132 towards the opening defined by the magazine extraction port 112. In this way, force generated by the coil springs 134 is divided between each end of the follower 132, thereby reducing the chance of a firearm magazine 104 becoming lodged (or struck) within the housing 110 of a magazine carrier and dispenser 100. In some implementations, each coil spring 134 a, 134 b is positioned within the cavity 116 of the housing 110 so that it extends between an interior side of the top sidewall 126 of the housing 110 and the appropriate end of the follower's 132 top surface 144.

In some implementations, the biasing apparatus 130 may include more than two, or less than two, coil springs 134. In some implementations, any spring(s) suitable for urging the follower 132 towards the opening defined by the magazine extraction port 112 may be used as part of a biasing apparatus 130.

As shown and described herein, the magazine carrier and dispenser 100 allows a shooter to execute multiple reloads of their firearm by extracting a fully loaded magazine 104 from the same position on their belt each time. This eliminates time wasted moving the hand further back along the belt line to extract a loaded magazine each time a reload is performed, as is typical with prior art magazine carriers. Further, the housing 110 of the magazine carrier and dispenser 100 is configured so that magazines 104 withdrawn through the magazine extraction port 112 may be optimally oriented for insertion into the magazine well of a firearm. In this way, unnecessary movement(s) of the shooter's hand after the magazine 104 has been extracted from the housing 110 during a reload may be reduced or eliminated.

In some implementations, the magazine carrier and dispenser 100 may be configured for use with either single stack, or double stack, firearm magazines.

While the magazine carrier and dispenser 100 is shown and described as being worn on a belt, it should be understood that, in some implementations, the magazine carrier and dispenser 100 may be configured so that it can be mounted or fastened on a vest, or other suitable garment worn by a shooter.

In some implementations, the housing 110 and follower 132 of a magazine carrier and dispenser 100 are made of a metal alloy (e.g., an aluminum alloy, a steel alloy, etc.). In some implementations, the housing 110 and/or follower 132 of a magazine carrier and dispenser 100 may be made of a polymer material (e.g., a thermoplastic material such as Kydex). In some implementations, the housing 110 and follower 132 of a magazine carrier and dispenser 100 may be made of any suitably durable material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. 

1. A magazine carrier and dispenser configured to contain one or more firearm magazines that can be withdrawn one at a time and used to load or reload a firearm, the magazine carrier and dispenser comprising: a housing that includes a longitudinally extending magazine extraction port in a front sidewall thereof; and a biasing apparatus that is contained within the housing; wherein the biasing apparatus is configured to urge one or more magazines contained within the housing towards the magazine extraction port.
 2. The magazine carrier and dispenser of claim 1, wherein the magazine extraction port is configured so that only one magazine at a time can be withdrawn through the magazine extraction port.
 3. The magazine carrier and dispenser of claim 1, wherein a rear sidewall of the housing includes at least one belt clip thereon.
 4. A magazine carrier and dispenser configured to contain one or more firearm magazines that can be withdrawn one at a time and used to load or reload a firearm, the magazine carrier and dispenser comprising: a housing that includes a longitudinally extending magazine extraction port in a front sidewall thereof; and a biasing apparatus that is contained within the housing; wherein the biasing apparatus is configured to urge one or more magazines contained within the housing towards the magazine extraction port; wherein the magazine extraction port includes two guide lips that define a restocking slit, the restocking slit extends between opposing interior edges of the guide lips and is configured to facilitate extraction of magazines from, and the insertion of magazines into, the magazine carrier and dispenser through the magazine extraction port.
 5. The magazine carrier and dispenser of claim 4, wherein the biasing apparatus comprises a follower and two coil springs, the first coil spring and the second coil spring are positioned within the housing to bias a first end and a second end, respectively, of the follower towards the opening defined by the magazine extraction port.
 6. The magazine carrier and dispenser of claim 4, wherein the magazine extraction port is configured so that only one magazine at a time can be withdrawn through the magazine extraction port.
 7. The magazine carrier and dispenser of claim 4, wherein a rear sidewall of the housing includes at least one belt clip thereon.
 8. A magazine carrier and dispenser configured to contain one or more firearm magazines that can be withdrawn one at a time and used to load or reload a firearm, the magazine carrier and dispenser comprising: a housing that includes a longitudinally extending magazine extraction port in a front sidewall thereof; and a biasing apparatus configured to urge one or more magazines contained within the housing towards the magazine extraction port, the biasing apparatus comprises a follower and two coil springs that are contained within the housing; wherein the first coil spring and the second coil spring are positioned within the housing to bias a first end and a second end, respectively, of the follower towards the opening defined by the magazine extraction port.
 9. The magazine carrier and dispenser of claim 8, wherein the magazine extraction port includes two guide lips that define a restocking slit, the restocking slit extends between opposing interior edges of the guide lips and is configured to facilitate extraction of magazines from, and the insertion of magazines into, the magazine carrier and dispenser through the magazine extraction port.
 10. The magazine carrier and dispenser of claim 8, wherein the magazine extraction port is configured so that only one magazine at a time can be withdrawn through the magazine extraction port.
 11. The magazine carrier and dispenser of claim 8, wherein a rear sidewall of the housing includes at least one belt clip thereon.
 12. The magazine carrier and dispenser of claim 11, wherein the follower includes two fins, the first fin and the second fin extend upwardly from opposite lateral sides of the follower, the first fin and the second fin are configured to interface with an interior side of the front sidewall and the rear sidewall, respectively.
 13. The magazine carrier and dispenser of claim 12, wherein the fins of the follower define a spring receiving space within the housing that is configured to prevent the coil springs from being over compressed. 